Question 1

What does Proverbs 17:4 mean?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 17:4 teaches that people who are set on doing wrong are quick to listen to lies, and those who are dishonest are drawn to harmful or corrupt speech. The verse links a person's character with what they are willing to listen to and accept. In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for everyday life, often from a father or teacher to a young listener. Here, the verse points out that there is a natural attraction between a corrupt heart and corrupt words—those who intend evil are open to being influenced by falsehood and troublemaking speech.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 17:4

Accepted Answer

"doer" (רָעַע, ra‘a‘): This word means someone who acts wickedly or does evil, not just someone who makes a mistake. It highlights that the verse is about people who have chosen a path of wrongdoing. "false" (אָוֶן, ’awen): This word refers to deceit, trouble, or wickedness. It shows that the "false lips" are not just mistaken but are speaking with intent to mislead or harm. "liar" (שָׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means someone who deals in lies or falsehood. The verse links this kind of person with being receptive to a "naughty tongue." "naughty" (הַוָּה, hawwah): This word can mean mischief, calamity, or destruction. It suggests that the "naughty tongue" is not just rude but speaks in a way that causes real harm or leads others astray.

Question 3

Why Proverbs 17:4 matters

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 17:4 clarifies that what a person listens to reveals much about their character; it is not just about what people say, but also about what they are willing to accept and believe. The verse warns that evil and deceit are not isolated—they attract and reinforce each other, making it easier for people to go further down a harmful path. This proverb fits into the larger theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts the wise and the foolish, showing how choices in words and company shape a person's life.

Proverbs 17:4 (KJV)